“Be Someone’s Holiday Visitor: A Few Minutes of Your Time Can Change a Lonely Season”

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Christmas in Alexandria has often been likened to the set of a Hallmark movie—twinkling lights, warm storefronts, familiar faces, and a sense of community. But for many seniors in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and long-term care centers, the season can be achingly quiet.

That’s where The Holiday Project steps in.

Founded in the early 1970s, The Holiday Project began with a simple idea: no one should spend the holidays alone. What started as a small neighborhood tradition—bringing songs, cards, and companionship to local nursing home residents—has grown into a national nonprofit with teams of volunteers visiting facilities across the country.

❤️ Local Volunteers Needed: Alexandria & Arlington

This season, volunteers are especially needed for holiday visits at Regency Care of Arlington and Woodbine Health & Rehab

• Saturday, November 22 (Legacy)
• Saturday, November 29 (Woodbine)
• Saturday, December 20 (Legacy)

Visits last about 45 minutes, and no experience is needed—just kindness, willingness to chat, and a few warm smiles. Volunteers can help with:

• Delivering holiday cards

• Singing carols

• Talking with residents

• Bringing small gifts

• Participating in group activities

• Visiting residents one-on-one

Some visits even include certified therapy dogs, who bring residents enormous joy and emotional comfort. Staff say many seniors light up instantly when the dogs arrive—especially those who once had pets or who rarely get outside.

🐾 Why These Visits Matter

Each year, more than 1.5 million Americans spend their holidays in institutional settings—and two-thirds have no living relatives.

“These visits bring the spirit of a holiday to people who otherwise would not have a celebration,” says Robin Wiley, President of The Holiday Project.

One longtime volunteer described the experience this way: “You think you’re giving something small—but then a resident grabs your hand and says you made their whole season. That’s when you understand the power of showing up.”

Another added, “I have only to touch my experience of The Holiday Project to have the holiday season be the way I always wanted it to be.”

🧡 Want to Add Your Facility to the Visit List?

If you know an assisted living facility, nursing home, rehab center, or group home that would benefit from holiday visitors, The Holiday Project welcomes new locations.

Administrators, social workers, activity directors, and families can contact the local chapter directly to add a site to the schedule or arrange:

• Christmas visits

• Chanukah visits

• New Year visits

• Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day visits

• “Any day” friendly visits

It can be as simple as a 20-minute walk-through or as structured as a group activity in a common room.

🌲 A Simple Gift: Showing Up

For seniors who no longer have family nearby—or at all—your time is the most meaningful gift they receive all season.

As one resident told a volunteer last year: “Thank you for remembering that I still matter.”

That single sentence has become a guiding principle of The Holiday Project since the day it was born in Del Ray.

📌 How to Volunteer or Learn More

👉 Visit: holidayproject.net/events
👉 Donate: holidayproject.net/donate
👉 Volunteer: [email protected]